[Biochemical parameters of hepatic ischemia in experimental animals]

It was the aim of this study to define biochemical parameters of hepatic ischemia. In seven dogs portal vein and hepatic artery were occluded subsequently. During this ischemia the lactate concentration in the hepatic veins rose from a basal value of 15 mg% to 57 mg%. Lactate levels measured in portal vein, femoral artery, and femoral vein were significantly lower. Furthermore, hepatic ischemia caused an increase in potassium and glucose levels in the hepatic vein. Primarily, production of lactate by the liver seems to be an appropriate parameter for hepatic ischemia. Measuring lactate metabolism could be used to examine patients with portal hypertension before performing a shunt procedure. By cannulating the umbilical vein it is possible to occlude the portal vein with a balloon catheter. Portal vein occlusion with hepatic vein blood sampling may identify those patients in whom hepatic arterial reserve is inadequate to support portosystemic shunting.